# HHS Allows Eligible Biodefense Work to Continue

HHS’s September 9, 2026, shutdown contingency plan identifies eligible pandemic countermeasure and biodefense activities—including research and development, procurement, and stockpile management—for continuation during a funding lapse. The plan also lists FOIA processing and specified preparedness evaluation and reporting functions for suspension, and some contract-management functions may pause. This creates a potential continuity path for qualifying work, but does not announce a solicitation or guarantee an award.

- Contractors supporting medical countermeasure or biodefense efforts should confirm with the relevant agency which work, approvals, and contract-management functions remain active during a lapse.
- The plan identifies potential continuity for eligible procurement, stockpile, and related contract activity; contractors should not assume every contract or administrative function will continue.
- HHS, ASPR, BARDA, and CDC programs may be relevant to firms supporting these activities, but the signal identifies no specific opportunity, contract value, or submission deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Emergency Response
**Published:** October 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

### Sources
- [HHS to Block FOIA During Shutdown While Biodefense Contracts Keep Rolling https://t.co/tLGAD4xcut Federal shutdown rules would interrupt public scrutiny while preserving vaccine procurement.](https://x.com/ModernityNews/status/2108931530881954192) - twitter-fed-procurement